Control system



July 20, 1943. VAN ALLEN M GOVERN ET AL 2,324,940

CONTROL SYSTEM Filed June 6, 1941 ATTORNEY.

Patented July 20, 1943 UN TED PAT NT oFF cs oonraoL SYSTEM Van Allen McGovern and Elmer R. Gruchow, Waterloo, Wis.

,spplisationjune e 1941,. Serial No. 396,878, I

SClaims (crew's-1) This invention relates to multiple nit trol systems. 7 v

For purposes of illustration and eXhlanatiuli -i the control system of-the present invention will be shown and described as applied to-two auto= maticselective phonogr-aphs of a well; known type for the purpose of effectingreproduction of any recorded sound rendition available in either mar chine to the exclusion of the other, alth ugh other uses are contemplated.

Automatic selective phonographs are ordinarily equipped withelectrically actuated means, commonly coin controlled, :for automatically placing in playing position on the turn-table any particular sound record selected" from a lim: ited number of sound records; contained in the machine, for automatically lifting. the pick-up arm from the played record. and for returning the same into playing position with respect 'to n by the limited number of sound records "con.-

tained therein.

One'obicct of the present invention is to pro.- vide an electrical isystem. by which the sound reproduced from a 'selected'record in any of a plurality of phonographs may be broadcast a through the loud speaker ofeithcr or "both machines in such manner asto effectually prevent sound reproduction from more than one ma chine at atime. i 1

Another object is to provide a system-iorthe purpose mentioned which will permit the record selecting and positioning mechanism as well as the pick-up arm positioning-mechanism of one machine to perform'their usual tunctioris'while the other machine-is playing, so as to be-in readiness for instant startlnglassoon as the other machine has discontinued playing. Another object is to'provide'an electrical sys-' tem :by which either of two" electrical'lybperated may be set in operation, selectively-techie exclusion of the other. i 1 I Other more specific objects and advantages will appear, expressed or implied, from the iollowing description ofa control-system constructed in accordance with the present invention; "In the accompanying drawing: The single figure of" the drawing a diagrams matic illustration 10f (a icorrtrolisystem embodys ing the present invention shown appliedto two automatic selective phonographs of a well known type - The system shown comprises two sets of conventional switches 5,, 6, l and 8, and .5, 6, 1. and 8", each, comprising a pair-of coacting con tacts individually 'mountcd on spring leaves 8 and Ill anchored in a rail II of insulating ura-v terial carried by an appropriate panel I2; The switches 5 and; of one set ands" and 6 ofgthe other set are normally-closed, and the switches 1' and 8 of one set and. l and 8" of theother set are normally open. l v A suitable actuator, such as a bar 13 lengthwisereciprocable in appropriateguideablocks M on the panel 12, controlsall of the switches-of both sets. '.'In this instance the :bar 3 is shown provid d --Wlth a plurality of fingers I5, each disposed tocoact with the extendedend 15 of the spring leaf "1- of one of the switches, so as to op n the closed'swi ches and close the pen switches of one set, when the bar 13 is shifted in one directionirom the neutral position shown, the switches of the other set remaining undisturbed and in the normal positions shown. When the bar 13 is shifted in the opposite di .rect'ion irom= the neutral position; the closed switches of the other set are thereby opened and -the9open switches-thereof closed, the switches-of the first mentioned set assuming the normal positions shown. i v. Inv this instance,- the bar- 13 is actuatedand cont-rolledfbytwo spaced electromagnets l1. and -11 mounted on the panel 12 and arranged to exert magnetic pulls in opposite directions on an armature ,Hl disposed therebetwecn. The ar ;matnre l8 carried by one end of clever mounted intermediate its ends upon a pivot pin Ilcarried by the panel I2, and connected at its other-end with; the bar l3 through aypin-ande slot connection A-spring n yieldably retains the armature i8, lever 19, and bar 13 in the neutral position shown, but permits the same to shift in one direction orthe other Whenever one or the other 'o'frthe' electromagnets H or H" is energized. I

- "The energizing circuitof the electromagnet l'l includesxa line 23, permanently connected to a terminal 24 .onthe panel l2, and a'line ii'which is controllcd by the switch 5, and which'is conncctedthrough lineZG with a terminal 21. The

terminal 24 is connected to one side 28' of an electric power. line through a line .ZS'containing :aswitch 31), and the-binding post 2'! is permeanently connected to the otherside 134 of the power line through a line 32, so that, if the switch 5 is closed, the electromagnet I1 is energized upon closing the switch 30. The electromagnet I1 is similarly connected to one side 28 of the power line through line 23', terminal 24, line 29', and switch 30', and similarly connected to the other side 3| of the power line through the line 25', switch 5, line 26, terminal 21', and line 32, so that, if the switch 5' is closed, the electromagnet I1 is energized upon closing the switch 30.

The arrangement is such that, with the bar I3 in the neutral position shown, both switches 5 and 5 are closed and either electromagnet IT or H may be energized by closing one or the other of the switches 30 or 30; but neither can be energized while the other is energized because, if the electromagnet I! be energized, it functions to shift the bar l3 toward the left to thereby open the switch 5' and thus prevent energization of electromagnet I1. and likewise, if electromagnet H b energized, it functions to shift the bar l3 toward the right to thereby open switch 5 and prevent energization of electromagnet IT.

The switches conventionally shown at 30 and 30' represent switches ordinarily used for controlling the circuits of the tum-table motors in well known types of automatic selective phonographs. One such phonograph is conventionally indicated at 33 and another at 33', the turn-table motor circuit of one being represented by the line 34 and and that of the other by the lines 34' and 35'. One side 34 of the motor circuit is connectable to one side 28 of the power line through the switch 30, and the other side 35 of the motor circuit is connected to a terminal 36 which is connectable through the switch 6, a terminal 31, and the line 32 with th other side 3| of the power line, so that, if the switch 6 is closed, the tum-table motor of the phonograph 33 is energized by closing the switch 30. Likewise, the side 34' of the other motor circuit is connectable to one side 28 of the power line through the switch 30', and the other side 35' of that motor circuit is connectable to the other side 3| of the power line through a terminal 36', switch 6', and terminal 31', so that, if the switch 6' is closed, the turn-table motor of the phonograph 33' is energized by closing switch 30.

The arrangement is such that, with the bar l3 in the neutral position shown, the tum-table motor of either phonograph 33 or 33 may be energized by closing one or the other of the switches 3|] or 30'. However, the instant the switch 30, for instance, is closed to energize the table motor of phonograph 33, the closing of that switch energizes the electromagnet causing the bar I3 to shift to the left and open the switch 6, thereby rendering it impossible to energize the table motor of the other phonograph even thou h its switch 30' be closed, and this condition prevails until the table motor of phonoraph 33 has been de-energized by subsequent opening of the switch 30. Likewise, if the switch 3|! be closed while the switch 30 is open, the table motor of phonograph 33' will be energized, and the electromagnet II will also be energized, causing the switch 6 to open and thus prevent operation of the table motor of the phonograph 33 even though the switch 30 thereof be closed. It is thus impossible for the table motor of either phonograph to function while the other is in operation.

It will be further noted that, although the system above described prevents operation of the table motor of one phonograph so long a the other is operating, it may effect automatic start ing of the table motor of the second phonograph the instant that the table motor of the other machine is de-energized. For instance, if the switch 30' of the phonograph 33' be closed, during operation of the other phonograph 33, so that it is closed when the switch 30 opens to stop the phonograph 33, the opening of the switch 30 deenergizes the electromagnet thereby permitting the bar l3 to return to neutral and causing the switch 6' to close and complete the circuit through the table motor of phonograph 33'.

It will of course be understood that the phonographs 33 and 33' are conventional coin controlled machines, each having the usual mechanism for automatically placing a selected sound record on the turn-table in response to application of an appropriate coin thereto, mechanism for automatically lifting the pick-up arm from a played record and returning the same into play ing position with respect to the newly placed selected record, and mechanism for automatically closing the tum-table motor switch 30 or 3|! and for automatically reopening that switch to stop the tum-table when the selected record has been played. Such a combination of mechanisms is old and well known in that type of machine and need not be described. here. It will be noted however that when two such machines are connected by the electrical system above described, either may' be set into operation by application of an appropriate coin thereto, unless the other be already functioning; and should one machine be operating at the time that a coin is applied to the other machine, the record selecting and positioning mechanism of that other machine, a well as the pick-up arm actuating mechanism and the mechanism for closing the table motor switch will function automatically in the usual manner, but the table motor will not function until the switch controlling the table motor of the first machine has opened to stop the first machine. In other words, if a coin be applied to a second machine while the first machine is operating, the mechanism of the second machine will function automatically in the usual manner to properly position the selected record and the pick-up arm and to close its turn-table switch, so that it is in readiness to start functioning the instant that the first machine stops functioning.

The loud speakers of the two phonographs 33 and 33' are conventionally indicated at 38 and 38'. In this instance, both loud speakers are shown connected in parallel to the tone arms of both phonographs through appropriate audio circuits 3!! and 39'. Also both loud speakers are shown connected in parallel between two sides 40 and 4| of a circuit through which they are automatically connected to the opposite sides 23' and 3| of the main power circuit whenever either of the switches 30 or 30' is closed. Appropriate switch controlled lines for this purpose will now be described.

In the system shown, line 40 from one side of the loud speakers 33 and 3B is connected through a terminal 42 and line 43 with one side of each of the two switches I and I, the other side of switch I being connectable through line 23', terminal 24', and switch 30' to one side 23 of the power circuit, and the other side of switch 1 also being connectable through line 23, terminal 24, and switch 30 to the side 28 of the power circuit. The other line 4| from the other side of the loud speakers is connected through a terminal 44 and line 45 with one side of both eiectromagnet t'IJI so as'to shift the bar .113 to" the left, the switches I and 8 remain open and'th'e switches 7 and 8' are thereby closed; switch 2" one side M of loud, speakers: 38 and 38' to one side 18 of the powcr: circuit through the closed-switch Ml, theswitcn B" the other side 41 or-bothraud speak ers to the otnerside 34 of the power circuit through the line 32 Likewise, when the switch 30" is'ciosed "to energize the table motor of the comer pnmograph 33' and to energize the'electromagnet H, the bar '13 shifts to theriig ht pem knitting the switches!" and 8 to assume open positions and causing the -switches land 8 to close, switch 1 connecting one side au of both loud speakers to one side 28 or the power circuit through the closed switcnsc', and snatch soonnecting the other side '4 I or both 'ioaospea'kers to the other side 3 of the power circuit through the fine 32.. Born loudspeakers 38' and aware thus automatically connected acrossthe power record be in one or the other of the phonog -i'aphs.

Under someconditions it is possible that one machine may play a succession of records-to the exclusion of the other machine even though in the m'eant-info a coin may have been placed in the other machine. cession of coins have been placed simultaneously in the first machine. This is objectionable not only because the first machine thus monopolizes the playing time, but also because of the time consumed between successive renditions by that machine, a substantial period of time being consumed during each record-changing operation. This objection is eliminated in the system shown by the provision of means for insuring that either machine to which a coin has been supplied may cut in and play its record as soon as the other machine has completed a record, even though that other machine may be set to play a succession of records. The machines may thus be caused to function alternately, the pick-up arm actuator and record changing mechanism of the one machine functioning during the playing period of the other machine and vice versa, so that there is no playing time lost during the record changing operation of either machine. Although this may be accomplished in various ways, a means which has proven satisfactory for the purpose will now be described.

In this instance a switch 46 is included in the line 29 constituting apart of the energizing circuit for the electromagnet l1, and a similar switch 46' is included in the line 29' constituting a part of the energizing circuit for the electromagnet l1. Both switches 46 and 46' are biased toward closed position so that the circuits of the two electromagnets l1 and l'." are normally unaffected thereby. However, each switch 46 and 46 is so related with a moving part of one of the machines 33 or 33' as to be automatically momentarily opened during the record changing operation thereof. In the system shown, the

That may happen if a sucswibcfi is: momentarily opened by the xii-icing movement of the ickup arm 11 or machine '38,

that being the: first; step inv the rebordwhanging operationof that: machine; and switch 46' is similarly momentarily Iopcned' by the lifting movement of the pick-up arm 45 of member machine- For that purpose the pick-up arm IT-=41"cicachlniahineis provided with 'a rearmdiy "extending: m ringer 48*43" which swings uomiwardiyias the arm lifts, andisweeps over a cam 48-1! onthe switch 46-46?" to momentarily men the inter.

' The street or this arrangement ma be described follows Let it be assumeu that the machine 33 for has received a number or coins ann is thus set to play a succession of records and that it is playing one of them. Or course under such conditions its s r/itch 38 is closed, one eie'ctrcmagnet 11' is energized, and the switch-bar 1 3 is in its right extreme position. Now let it be assumed that attempt made? to start placing a coin in it. As heremabove the placing or a coin inthe mac-hi s ts will not'th'en arr-eat the operatienof uncut the machine 3: will proceed carry out its record cnangin operation {and it's switch so will imirna'wly close. The posinon of the switch 1:3 and the conseqoent'open condition of mes-witch B" will prevent o'peranm of thoracic motor-cf condition will main-in until tne machine 33 has coim pieteii playing its record and ultimately proceeds to lift its'piic 'k-u p arm to start a recoi-d-changmg operation. a When occurs, the switch it cpens-momemarny, thereby da-energizing eiectromagnet H and the switch bar {'3 so :moxnensariiyretumro neutral position. Hie 'mstanttli'is occurs, switches 5 'and'fi'clbse some: the *electromagnet His thereby energized and the motor-circuit oft-he machine 33 thereby closed. The machine 33 then starts playing immediately, the electromagnet I! having actuated the switch bar I3 int its left extreme position to break the table motor circuit of machine 33' and to render the loud speakers responsive to the machine 33 in the manner earlier described.

It will of course be understood that if no attempt has been made to start the machine 33, so that its table motor switch 30 is open at the time that switch 46' has been momentarily opened by the lifting of the pick-up arm of machine 33', the machine 33' will continue to function just as though the switch 46' had not been opened, because the instant that the switch 46' recloses, the eleotrornagnet H is re-energized and the switch bar l3 returned to its extreme right position.

Various changes may be made in the embodiment of the invention hereinabove specifically described without departing from or sacrificing the-advantages of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

We claim:

1. The combination of two electric phonographs each having a turn-table motor circuit, and switch means responsive to energization of either of said circuits for breaking the other of said circuits to thereby prevent operation of the turn-table of either of said phonographs while the other is operating.

2. 'In a multiple unit control system the combination of two energizing circuits, separate electromagnets responsive to each of said circuits, means controlled by one of said electromagnets for breaking one of said circuits when the other of said circuits is energized, means controlled by the other of said electromagnet for breaking the other of said circuits when the first of said circuits is energized, and means for rendering either of said electromagnets inactive when the other is energized. 1'

3. In a multiple unit control system the combination of two sets of switches, an actuator therefor moveable in one direction to actuate one of said sets of switches and in the opposite direction to actuate the other of said sets of switches, means including two electromagnets selectively operable to actuate said actuator in one of said directions or the other, and connections through which said electromagnets are controlled by said switches to prevent energization of either of said electromagnets when the other is energized.

4. The combination of two electric phonographs each having a turn-table motor circuit, switch means responsive to energization of either of said circuits for breaking the other of said circuits to thereby prevent operation of the tumtable of either of said phonographs while the turn-table of the other is operating, and means controlled by moving parts of said phonographs for preventing repeat playing of either of said phonographs in the event that the other of said phonographs has been set to play.

5. The combination of two electric phonographs each having a turn-table motor circuit, switch means responsive to energization of either of said circuits for breaking the other of said circuits to thereby prevent operation of the turn-table of either of said phonographs while the turn-table of the other is operating, and means controlled by a moving part of each of said phonographs for momentarily modifying the effect of said switch means to thereby permit the turn-table motor of the other of said phonographs to function.

6. The combination of two electric phonographs each having record-changing mechanism and a turn-table motor circuit controlled thereby, switch means responsive to energization of either of said circuits for breaking the other of said circults to thereby prevent operation of the turntable of either while the tum-table of the other is operating, and means controlled by the recordchanging mechanism of each phonograph for momentarily modifying the effect of said switch means.

7. The combination of two electric phonographs each having a pick-up arm and a turn-table motor circuit, control means responsive to energization of either of said circuits for breaking the other of said circuits to thereby prevent operation of the turn-table of either while the turntable of the other is operating, and means controlled by the pick-up arm of each phonograph for modifying the effect of said control means so as to permit the turn-table of the other of said phonographs to operate when the turn-table of the operating phonograph has come to rest.

8. The combination of two electric phonographs each having a record-changing mechanism and a turn-table motor circuit controlled thereby, control means responsive to energization of either of said motor circuits for breaking the other motor circuit to thereby prevent operation of either turn-table while the other turn-table is operating, said control means including a normally closed switch momentarily opened by movement of the record-changing mechanism of each of said phonographs so as to permit the tumtable of said other phonograph to operate when the turn-table of the operating phonograph has come to rest.

VAN ALLEN MCGOVERN. ELMER R. GRUCHOW. 

